Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also time for Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings including Cola Baked Ham and Frozen Lemonade Pie. Enjoy!
CHAPLI BURGERS
This comes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “This recipe is inspired by the thin, heavily spiced Pakistani patties known as chapli kebabs, which are typically drizzled with green chutney and served wrapped in warm naan. This version replaces naan with buns and welcomes the classic crunch of iceberg lettuce. But what really sets these burgers apart are the other flavorful toppings and condiments: thinly sliced onions, tomatoes and cucumbers, a creamy herbed yogurt, and tomato ketchup spiked with tamarind paste. Take a few extra minutes to put together the sauces — the mouthwatering tang, sweetness, creaminess and spice they'll add will make all the difference.”
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes.
You can view this online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019435-chapli-burgers.
Ingredients
For Burgers:
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
Sea salt
2 tablespoons fresh or dried pomegranate seeds
1 pound ground beef
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
1/2 medium tomato, finely chopped and drained of juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated or pounded
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 egg
Neutral oil for cooking
To Serve:
Burger buns
Iceberg lettuce
Tamarind ketchup (see recipe)
Herbed yogurt (see recipe)
Sliced Persian cucumbers, red onions and tomatoes
Preparation
Place coriander seeds in a small saucepan, and set over medium heat. Swirling pan, lightly toast seeds for 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, and finely pound in a mortar and pestle with a pinch of salt (alternatively, use a spice grinder or small food processor). Add pomegranate seeds, and coarsely pound (it’s fine if the inner seed does not break down). Scrape paste into a large mixing bowl.
Add beef, onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, 1/2 jalapeño, pepper flakes, garam masala, cumin, 1/4 cup cilantro, egg and 2 teaspoons salt. Use hands to knead mixture until combined.
Fry a quarter-size piece of the mixture, and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and spices.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide meat mixture onto parchment into 6 balls, and flatten into thin, 4-inch-round patties.
Set a large cast-iron pan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When it shimmers, lay three patties into the pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside on a plate. Drain grease from pan, and wipe with a paper towel, then cook remaining patties. (Alternatively, grill burgers over high heat for 2 minutes per side until browned.)
Serve immediately on toasted buns with tamarind ketchup, herbed yogurt and other garnishes.
Tip
Patties can be formed, covered and refrigerated up to one day in advance. Bring to room temperature before cooking. The burgers won’t be complete without the tamarind ketchup and herbed yogurt, which take only a few minutes to make and add welcome creaminess, sweetness and tang.
HERBED YOGURT
This comes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “This simple sauce comes together quickly to provide a welcome creaminess and tang to Chapli burgers, kebabs, stewed chickpeas and fried potatoes alike.”
Yield: About 1/2 cup; Time: 15 minutes.
This was featured in “A Burger, But Better”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon finely chopped mint
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
Sea salt
Preparation
In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, cilantro, mint, jalapeño and a pinch of salt. Taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
TAMARIND KETCHUP
The final of today's recipes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “A touch of tamarind paste lends tomato ketchup an edgy pucker. Spread this sauce all over Chapli burgers, kebabs, fried potatoes or anywhere else you'd think to use the plain stuff.”
Yield: About 1/3 cup; Time: 5 minutes
This was featured in “A Burger, But Better”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019439-tamarind-ketchup.
Ingredients
1/3 cup ketchup
4 teaspoons tamarind paste
Preparation
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and tamarind paste.
FROZEN LEMONADE PIE
This comes from Pat and Gina Neely from The Food Network's Down Home with the Neelys. Total Time: 8 hr 18 min; Prep: 10 min; Inactive: 8 hr; Cook: 8 min; Yield: 8 servings
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/frozen-lemonade-pie-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 cups heavy cream
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, chilled
1 6-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate (do not thaw)
For the Topping:
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly on the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 7 minutes; cool completely.
Make the filling: In a cold medium bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, stir together the condensed milk and frozen lemonade. Gently fold the lemonade mixture into the whipped cream. Pour the filling into the crust; freeze overnight.
About an hour before you serve the pie, make the topping: Toss the berries in a medium bowl with the sugar and lemon juice. Set aside until ready to serve.
Let the pie come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Top each slice with berries.
COLA BAKED HAM
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
1/2 uncooked ham (5-6 lb.)
1 c. brown sugar
1-1/2 c. Coca Cola
1 c. crushed pineapple (optional)
Directions
Wash ham thoroughly. Rub fat side with brown sugar. Pour Coca Cola over ham. Pour crushed pineapple over ham. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 3 hours.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Taco Tuesday
Okay, folks, you know the routine, if it's Tuesday (and my calendar indicates that it is), then it's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Chorizo and Avocado Breakfast Tacos and Barbecue Chicken Ranch Tacos. Enjoy!
SLOW COOKER BIRRIA BEEF TACOS
This recipe, from Old El Paso, begins, "Check out this tasty taco twist on a traditional Mexican dish. Birria is a meat stew often served at holidays and celebrations. For this easy take on birria, we’ve turned the traditional rustic stew into Slow Cooker Birria Beef Tacos using our Old El Paso™ Barbacoa Beef Street Taco Kit. Slow-cooking the beef makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender as it takes on the delicious flavors of the broth mixture made of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic, taco kit seasoning and onions. Looking for new taco night inspiration? This Slow Cooker Birria Beef Tacos recipe will make coming home to dinner a delicious treat."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/slow-cooker-birria-beef-tacos.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups diced white onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 package Old El Paso™ Barbacoa Beef Street Taco Kit
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1-3/4 to 2-1/4 lb boneless beef chuck roast
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges
Directions
Spray 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix 2 cups of the onions, the chiles, garlic, seasoning mix (from taco kit) and salt. Stir in water.
In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef roast in oil 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. Transfer to mixture in slow cooker; turn to coat. Cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours, until beef is tender.
Transfer beef to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred beef, discarding any pieces of fat. Toss beef with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Place remaining cooking liquid in small bowl, for dipping.
Fill tortillas (from taco kit) with beef, cheese, remaining 1/4 cup onions and the cilantro. Serve with salsa verde (from taco kit), reserved cooking liquid and lime wedges.
Expert Tips
The flavorful cooking liquid from the birria, or “consommé,” is often served as a dipping sauce.The shredded slow cooker birria beef is also delicious tucked into a cheesy quesadilla or served over rice with some cooking liquid.
If desired, strain cooking liquid before transferring to bowl for dipping.
MIGAS BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Genevieve Ko on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. She wrote, "Tortilla chips in tacos may seem like overkill, but they’re not. Set into scrambled eggs that are loaded with onions and poblanos, they soften and enrich the mix while keeping some crispiness. A slice of avocado on top — along with melted cheese — adds a nice creaminess to the mix. These tacos work well with red or green salsa, so use your favorite. While these would impress at a weekend brunch, they also come together quickly on weekday mornings, and can be wrapped in foil to be eaten out of hand."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019647-migas-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
Kosher salt
6 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup tortilla chips, broken if very large
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup diced, seeded poblano pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated (3/4 cup)
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
Salsa, for serving
PreparationBeat the eggs with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put 3 tortillas in it and turn them until warm and pliable, 1 to 2 minutes. Stack on foil and wrap. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas, adding them to the same stack and wrapping to keep warm and soft.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the oil and swirl to coat, then add the chips. Cook, stirring, until sizzling and browned in spots, about 30 seconds. Add the onion, poblano and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the edges of the onion are just translucent but the vegetables are still crisp, about 2 minutes.
Drizzle the egg over the chips and vegetables. Let stand for 15 seconds until just starting to set, then stir rapidly to scramble until just set but still wet, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle the cilantro on top.
Remove from the heat and immediately divide among the warmed tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheese and top with the avocado and salsa. Serve immediately or wrap each taco in foil to eat out of hand.
Tip
The assembled tacos wrapped in foil will stay reasonably warm for up to 30 minutes.
BARBECUE CHICKEN RANCH TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "These Barbecue Chicken Ranch Tacos come together in a flash—and will disappear from your table even faster. They have the perfect tang of BBQ that complements the zestiness of Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce. Best of all, the sky is the limit when it comes to fresh toppings. Your family will have a blast loading up their Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls with sweet barbecue chicken and all their favorite toppings."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/barbecue-chicken-ranch-tacos.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce
Lime wedges, if desired
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, justuntil no longer pink in center. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling.
Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Stir in barbecue sauce. Cook until heated.
Divide warmed chicken mixture among heated tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Drizzle with ranch sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to hot skillet.
Swap out lettuce with shredded green cabbage for a delightful crunch.
Get creative with your BBQ Chicken Ranch Tacos. Other varieties of Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix, such as Hot &Spicy, can add a flavorful kick that's perfect for spice lovers.
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1.5
CHORIZO AND AVOCADO BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Leah Maroney in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Leah wrote, "Tacos for breakfast? You bet!
"Whether you have leftover chorizo from a previous meal, or you are just looking for a heartier way to jazz up your morning routine, we can't think of a better way to start your day than to take this classic Tex-Mex meal from dinner to fuel-powered breakfast. It's as simple as adding eggs.
"Perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration or a fun weekend brunch, you can transform the mundane breakfast of scrambled eggs with a few simple and basic ingredients, such as avocados, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. Have fun additions like tater tots, sour cream, beans, salsa, hot sauce, bacon, and chives, and get your kids engaged by creating a build-your-own-taco bar.
"If you're ovo-vegetarian, you can leave out the chorizo (and bacon)."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 2; Yield: 4 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/breakfast-tacos-4159319.
Ingredients
4 flour tortillas
1/4 pound raw or dried chorizo sausage
9 frozen tater tots, thawed
4 large eggs, beaten
1/3 cup shredded taco and nacho seasoned cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 cup salsa
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Warm up flour tortillas in the microwave or quickly over an open flame. If you want the char, place over an open flame for 5 to 7 seconds and then flip with metal tongs, and char for another 5 to 7 seconds.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan on medium-high heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it up as it cooks. If the chorizo is dried, dice it first and then add it to the pan and sauté until some of the fat has rendered and the chorizo is crispy.
Remove the chorizo from the pan, leaving the grease behind.
Add the thawed tater tots to the chorizo grease and cook until slightly browned. Remove the tater tots from the pan and add them to the chorizo. Keep the chorizo and potato mixture warm in a 200 F oven while you cook the eggs.
Using that same pan, turn down the heat to low. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently until completely cooked. Use a spatula to separate the eggs into four portions. While the eggs are still in the pan, turn the heat down even more and top each portion with cheese.
Sprinkle the cheddar over the top of each egg portion and cover the pan with a lid. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill each tortilla with a portion of the eggs. Divide the potato and chorizo mixture between the four tortillas. Then sprinkle the cilantro, diced onions, tomatoes, and avocados over the top of each taco. Then drizzle the salsa over each taco and serve immediately.
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Yield: 16 enchiladas, 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-enchiladas-recipe-1907241.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1-1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Mexican Spice Blend
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
4 canned chipotle chiles, seeded and minced
1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
16 corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes
Directions
Coat large saute pan with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken over medium heat, allow 7 minutes each side or until no longer pink. Sprinkle chicken with cumin, garlic powder and Mexican spices before turning. Remove chicken to a platter, allow to cool.
Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.
Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.
Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Coat the bottom of 2 (13 by 9-inch) pans with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro, scallion, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving. Serve with Spanish rice and beans.
TACO LETTUCE WRAPS
This is from Kristina72913 on Allrecipes. Kristina wrote, "Easy taco lettuce wraps."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/274968/taco-lettuce-wraps/.
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
romaine leaves, rinsed and dried
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground turkey in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Lay lettuce leaves on a flat surface and fill with turkey and bean mixture.
Cook's Note:
I make my own taco seasoning mix, but store-bought works
SLOW COOKER BIRRIA BEEF TACOS
This recipe, from Old El Paso, begins, "Check out this tasty taco twist on a traditional Mexican dish. Birria is a meat stew often served at holidays and celebrations. For this easy take on birria, we’ve turned the traditional rustic stew into Slow Cooker Birria Beef Tacos using our Old El Paso™ Barbacoa Beef Street Taco Kit. Slow-cooking the beef makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender as it takes on the delicious flavors of the broth mixture made of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic, taco kit seasoning and onions. Looking for new taco night inspiration? This Slow Cooker Birria Beef Tacos recipe will make coming home to dinner a delicious treat."
Prep Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/slow-cooker-birria-beef-tacos.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups diced white onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 package Old El Paso™ Barbacoa Beef Street Taco Kit
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1-3/4 to 2-1/4 lb boneless beef chuck roast
1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges
Directions
Spray 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix 2 cups of the onions, the chiles, garlic, seasoning mix (from taco kit) and salt. Stir in water.
In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef roast in oil 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. Transfer to mixture in slow cooker; turn to coat. Cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours, until beef is tender.
Transfer beef to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred beef, discarding any pieces of fat. Toss beef with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Place remaining cooking liquid in small bowl, for dipping.
Fill tortillas (from taco kit) with beef, cheese, remaining 1/4 cup onions and the cilantro. Serve with salsa verde (from taco kit), reserved cooking liquid and lime wedges.
Expert Tips
The flavorful cooking liquid from the birria, or “consommé,” is often served as a dipping sauce.The shredded slow cooker birria beef is also delicious tucked into a cheesy quesadilla or served over rice with some cooking liquid.
If desired, strain cooking liquid before transferring to bowl for dipping.
MIGAS BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Genevieve Ko on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. She wrote, "Tortilla chips in tacos may seem like overkill, but they’re not. Set into scrambled eggs that are loaded with onions and poblanos, they soften and enrich the mix while keeping some crispiness. A slice of avocado on top — along with melted cheese — adds a nice creaminess to the mix. These tacos work well with red or green salsa, so use your favorite. While these would impress at a weekend brunch, they also come together quickly on weekday mornings, and can be wrapped in foil to be eaten out of hand."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 20 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019647-migas-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
Kosher salt
6 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup tortilla chips, broken if very large
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup diced, seeded poblano pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated (3/4 cup)
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
Salsa, for serving
PreparationBeat the eggs with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put 3 tortillas in it and turn them until warm and pliable, 1 to 2 minutes. Stack on foil and wrap. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas, adding them to the same stack and wrapping to keep warm and soft.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the oil and swirl to coat, then add the chips. Cook, stirring, until sizzling and browned in spots, about 30 seconds. Add the onion, poblano and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the edges of the onion are just translucent but the vegetables are still crisp, about 2 minutes.
Drizzle the egg over the chips and vegetables. Let stand for 15 seconds until just starting to set, then stir rapidly to scramble until just set but still wet, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle the cilantro on top.
Remove from the heat and immediately divide among the warmed tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheese and top with the avocado and salsa. Serve immediately or wrap each taco in foil to eat out of hand.
Tip
The assembled tacos wrapped in foil will stay reasonably warm for up to 30 minutes.
BARBECUE CHICKEN RANCH TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "These Barbecue Chicken Ranch Tacos come together in a flash—and will disappear from your table even faster. They have the perfect tang of BBQ that complements the zestiness of Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce. Best of all, the sky is the limit when it comes to fresh toppings. Your family will have a blast loading up their Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls with sweet barbecue chicken and all their favorite toppings."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/barbecue-chicken-ranch-tacos.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 package (8 count) Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch Sauce
Lime wedges, if desired
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, justuntil no longer pink in center. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling.
Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Stir in barbecue sauce. Cook until heated.
Divide warmed chicken mixture among heated tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Drizzle with ranch sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat chicken slices dry before adding to hot skillet.
Swap out lettuce with shredded green cabbage for a delightful crunch.
Get creative with your BBQ Chicken Ranch Tacos. Other varieties of Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix, such as Hot &Spicy, can add a flavorful kick that's perfect for spice lovers.
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 2 Very Lean Meat, 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1.5
CHORIZO AND AVOCADO BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Leah Maroney in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Leah wrote, "Tacos for breakfast? You bet!
"Whether you have leftover chorizo from a previous meal, or you are just looking for a heartier way to jazz up your morning routine, we can't think of a better way to start your day than to take this classic Tex-Mex meal from dinner to fuel-powered breakfast. It's as simple as adding eggs.
"Perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration or a fun weekend brunch, you can transform the mundane breakfast of scrambled eggs with a few simple and basic ingredients, such as avocados, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. Have fun additions like tater tots, sour cream, beans, salsa, hot sauce, bacon, and chives, and get your kids engaged by creating a build-your-own-taco bar.
"If you're ovo-vegetarian, you can leave out the chorizo (and bacon)."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 2; Yield: 4 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/breakfast-tacos-4159319.
Ingredients
4 flour tortillas
1/4 pound raw or dried chorizo sausage
9 frozen tater tots, thawed
4 large eggs, beaten
1/3 cup shredded taco and nacho seasoned cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 cup salsa
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Warm up flour tortillas in the microwave or quickly over an open flame. If you want the char, place over an open flame for 5 to 7 seconds and then flip with metal tongs, and char for another 5 to 7 seconds.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan on medium-high heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it up as it cooks. If the chorizo is dried, dice it first and then add it to the pan and sauté until some of the fat has rendered and the chorizo is crispy.
Remove the chorizo from the pan, leaving the grease behind.
Add the thawed tater tots to the chorizo grease and cook until slightly browned. Remove the tater tots from the pan and add them to the chorizo. Keep the chorizo and potato mixture warm in a 200 F oven while you cook the eggs.
Using that same pan, turn down the heat to low. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently until completely cooked. Use a spatula to separate the eggs into four portions. While the eggs are still in the pan, turn the heat down even more and top each portion with cheese.
Sprinkle the cheddar over the top of each egg portion and cover the pan with a lid. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill each tortilla with a portion of the eggs. Divide the potato and chorizo mixture between the four tortillas. Then sprinkle the cilantro, diced onions, tomatoes, and avocados over the top of each taco. Then drizzle the salsa over each taco and serve immediately.
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Yield: 16 enchiladas, 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-enchiladas-recipe-1907241.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1-1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Mexican Spice Blend
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
4 canned chipotle chiles, seeded and minced
1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
16 corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes
Directions
Coat large saute pan with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken over medium heat, allow 7 minutes each side or until no longer pink. Sprinkle chicken with cumin, garlic powder and Mexican spices before turning. Remove chicken to a platter, allow to cool.
Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.
Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.
Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Coat the bottom of 2 (13 by 9-inch) pans with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro, scallion, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving. Serve with Spanish rice and beans.
TACO LETTUCE WRAPS
This is from Kristina72913 on Allrecipes. Kristina wrote, "Easy taco lettuce wraps."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/274968/taco-lettuce-wraps/.
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
romaine leaves, rinsed and dried
Directions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground turkey in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Lay lettuce leaves on a flat surface and fill with turkey and bean mixture.
Cook's Note:
I make my own taco seasoning mix, but store-bought works
Monday, February 6, 2023
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Cheesy Skillet Taco Mac and Sweet Potato and Mustard Turkey Burgers. Enjoy!
CALIFORNIA TURKEY CHILI
This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Inactive Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/california-turkey-chili-recipe-2014996.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and chopped
2 large poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
One 15 to 16-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf, recipe follows
Assorted garnishes, such as chopped onion, shredded white Cheddar, chopped tomatoes and/or sour cream
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
1 1/4 cups whole grain quinoa (about 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy, large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, poblanos, celery and onions. Saute until the vegetables soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the turkey and saute until no longer pink, breaking up the turkey with the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and stir to blend. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to blend. Add the broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the flavors blend and the chili thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.
To serve, spoon Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf into deep bowls. Ladle chili over. Serve with garnishes.
Cook's Note: Other garnishes that you could offer: chopped radishes, pickled jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla chips and/or pico de gallo.
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
Place the quinoa in a fine sieve. Rinse under cold running water 1 full minute. Set aside to drain.
Bring the broth, salt and pepper to a boil in heavy, medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the quinoa stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scatter pine nuts on a small rimmed baking sheet. Toast the nuts until golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.
Mix the cilantro and pine nuts into the quinoa.
SLOPPY JOES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: East
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/sloppy-joes-2120434.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
5 cloves garlic, minced
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 kaiser rolls
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder, or more as needed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more as needed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Chips or salad, for serving, if desired
Ingredients
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
Add in the green peppers and onions. Stir, and then add 1 cup water, the ketchup and garlic. Stir it around to combine, and then add the brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and then cover and simmer over medium-low heat, about 20 minutes.
To serve, spread the rolls with the butter and brown them on a griddle or in a skillet. Spoon a good amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom roll, and then top with the other half. Serve with chips, salad or just enjoy it by itself.
MISO CHICKEN
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Making a compound of unsalted butter and the salty, fungal deliciousness of Japanese miso paste is a surefire way of adding immense flavor to a simple weeknight meal. Here the mixture is spread over chicken thighs, which are then roasted to golden perfection. But you could easily use it on salmon or flounder, on corn or potatoes. The recipe calls for white miso, which is more mild than the aged version known as red miso. But you could certainly use red for a more intense result.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in Asian Pantry Essentials and can also be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white miso
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (do not use seasoned rice vinegar)
Black pepper, to taste
8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, approximately 2 1/2 to 3 pounds
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine butter, miso, honey, rice vinegar and black pepper in a large bowl and mix with a spatula or spoon until it is well combined.
Add chicken to the bowl and massage the miso-butter mixture all over it. Place the chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan and slide it into the oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the chicken pieces over once or twice, until the skin is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the meat is 160 to 165 degrees.
CHESSY SKILLET TACO MAC
This is from Kardea Brown on the Food Network. The recipe begins, "You may be familiar with that one-skillet macaroni dish that comes in a box where all you have to add is ground beef? Well, this is my version, with a little Tex-Mex twist. The whole family will eat it up, and it's so easy to put together."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings; Level: Easy
View this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cheesy-skillet-taco-mac-12821434.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chuck
1 tablespoon Miss Brown’s House Seasoning, recipe follows
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1-1/2 cups beef stock
8 ounces elbow pasta, cooked according to package directions
One 8-ounce block sharp Cheddar, shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sour cream and chopped green onions, for serving, optional
Miss Brown’s House Seasoning:
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ground beef and House Seasoning. Cook until the veggies begin to soften and the beef is slightly browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin and beef stock.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce reduces, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the pasta and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid starts to slightly absorb. Add the cheese and remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, top with the sour cream and sprinkle with the green onions, if using.
Miss Brown’s House Seasoning:
Yield: 5 tablespoons
Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
SWEET POTATO AND MUSTARD TURKEY BURGERS
This is from Taste for Life, and begins, “These burgers are moist and juicy and have a savory flavor that comes from a secret ingredient: A hefty amount of mustard. Half a cup may seem like a lot of mustard, but it’s what makes these burgers outstanding. Using grated sweet potato instead of traditional flour or breadcrumbs adds extra fiber and nutrients.”
Prep Time: 40 min prep time; Number of Servings: Makes 4 to 6 burgers
Recipe Source: The Living Kitchen by Tamara Green, BA, CNP and Sarah Grossman, BA, CNP ($28, Appetite, 2018)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup grated yellow onion
1 cup grated peeled sweet potato
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup spinach, finely chopped
1/2 cup gluten-free whole-grain mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
Pinch of black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use the grating attachment on your food processor and grate onion and sweet potato. You can also do this by hand with a box grater.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
Measure 1/4 to 1/2 cup of burger meat and shape into a patty. Place on baking sheet and repeat.
Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top begins to get slightly golden. You can flip burgers halfway through cooking time if you want even caramelization on both sides.
These burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. You can also make a big batch and keep them in the freezer for 3 to 4 months for a quick meal option.
CALIFORNIA TURKEY CHILI
This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Inactive Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/california-turkey-chili-recipe-2014996.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and chopped
2 large poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
One 15 to 16-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf, recipe follows
Assorted garnishes, such as chopped onion, shredded white Cheddar, chopped tomatoes and/or sour cream
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
1 1/4 cups whole grain quinoa (about 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy, large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, poblanos, celery and onions. Saute until the vegetables soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the turkey and saute until no longer pink, breaking up the turkey with the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and stir to blend. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to blend. Add the broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the flavors blend and the chili thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.
To serve, spoon Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf into deep bowls. Ladle chili over. Serve with garnishes.
Cook's Note: Other garnishes that you could offer: chopped radishes, pickled jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla chips and/or pico de gallo.
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
Place the quinoa in a fine sieve. Rinse under cold running water 1 full minute. Set aside to drain.
Bring the broth, salt and pepper to a boil in heavy, medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the quinoa stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scatter pine nuts on a small rimmed baking sheet. Toast the nuts until golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.
Mix the cilantro and pine nuts into the quinoa.
SLOPPY JOES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: East
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/sloppy-joes-2120434.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
5 cloves garlic, minced
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 kaiser rolls
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder, or more as needed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more as needed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Chips or salad, for serving, if desired
Ingredients
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
Add in the green peppers and onions. Stir, and then add 1 cup water, the ketchup and garlic. Stir it around to combine, and then add the brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and then cover and simmer over medium-low heat, about 20 minutes.
To serve, spread the rolls with the butter and brown them on a griddle or in a skillet. Spoon a good amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom roll, and then top with the other half. Serve with chips, salad or just enjoy it by itself.
MISO CHICKEN
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Making a compound of unsalted butter and the salty, fungal deliciousness of Japanese miso paste is a surefire way of adding immense flavor to a simple weeknight meal. Here the mixture is spread over chicken thighs, which are then roasted to golden perfection. But you could easily use it on salmon or flounder, on corn or potatoes. The recipe calls for white miso, which is more mild than the aged version known as red miso. But you could certainly use red for a more intense result.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in Asian Pantry Essentials and can also be found online by clicking here.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white miso
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (do not use seasoned rice vinegar)
Black pepper, to taste
8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, approximately 2 1/2 to 3 pounds
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine butter, miso, honey, rice vinegar and black pepper in a large bowl and mix with a spatula or spoon until it is well combined.
Add chicken to the bowl and massage the miso-butter mixture all over it. Place the chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan and slide it into the oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the chicken pieces over once or twice, until the skin is golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature of the meat is 160 to 165 degrees.
CHESSY SKILLET TACO MAC
This is from Kardea Brown on the Food Network. The recipe begins, "You may be familiar with that one-skillet macaroni dish that comes in a box where all you have to add is ground beef? Well, this is my version, with a little Tex-Mex twist. The whole family will eat it up, and it's so easy to put together."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings; Level: Easy
View this online at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cheesy-skillet-taco-mac-12821434.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chuck
1 tablespoon Miss Brown’s House Seasoning, recipe follows
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1-1/2 cups beef stock
8 ounces elbow pasta, cooked according to package directions
One 8-ounce block sharp Cheddar, shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sour cream and chopped green onions, for serving, optional
Miss Brown’s House Seasoning:
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
Directions
Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ground beef and House Seasoning. Cook until the veggies begin to soften and the beef is slightly browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin and beef stock.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce reduces, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the pasta and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid starts to slightly absorb. Add the cheese and remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, top with the sour cream and sprinkle with the green onions, if using.
Miss Brown’s House Seasoning:
Yield: 5 tablespoons
Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 Servings. 1 Serving size = 1 cup. 1 cup fettuccine alfredo provides a 1/2 serving of Benecol®
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Benecol® Regular spread
4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups skim milk
3 tbsp flour
4 ounces fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine noodles (about 1/2 pound uncooked)
Directions
Heat Benecol & garlic slowly over low heat, 5 to 7 minutes, allowing full flavor of garlic to be released into Benecol.
Meanwhile, combine milk, flour, cream cheese, & Parmesan cheese in blender; then puree until smooth.
Add pureed mixture to Benecol® and garlic. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously until mixture has thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with fettuccine noodles.
SWEET POTATO AND MUSTARD TURKEY BURGERS
This is from Taste for Life, and begins, “These burgers are moist and juicy and have a savory flavor that comes from a secret ingredient: A hefty amount of mustard. Half a cup may seem like a lot of mustard, but it’s what makes these burgers outstanding. Using grated sweet potato instead of traditional flour or breadcrumbs adds extra fiber and nutrients.”
Prep Time: 40 min prep time; Number of Servings: Makes 4 to 6 burgers
Recipe Source: The Living Kitchen by Tamara Green, BA, CNP and Sarah Grossman, BA, CNP ($28, Appetite, 2018)
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup grated yellow onion
1 cup grated peeled sweet potato
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup spinach, finely chopped
1/2 cup gluten-free whole-grain mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
Pinch of black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use the grating attachment on your food processor and grate onion and sweet potato. You can also do this by hand with a box grater.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
Measure 1/4 to 1/2 cup of burger meat and shape into a patty. Place on baking sheet and repeat.
Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top begins to get slightly golden. You can flip burgers halfway through cooking time if you want even caramelization on both sides.
These burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. You can also make a big batch and keep them in the freezer for 3 to 4 months for a quick meal option.
Meatless Monday
It's Meatless Monday, time to get the work week started (unless you have to work Sundays, too). I don't know about you, but weekends just don't seem long enough to get everything done. Thank goodness, there's always next weekend.
Since we do need to eat, here are six vegetarian recipes to help get your week started just right, including Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash, Al Roker's Vegetable Lasagna, and Buttermilk Cornbread with Corn Kernels. Enjoy!
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD WITH CORN KERNELS
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it states that it's from The Working Family's Cookbook.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup fresh, or frozen and defrosted corn kernels
1 cup buttermilk
2 medium-size eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch cast iron or ovenproof frying pan or a square baking pan and heat in the oven until it is hot and the butter is melted.
Meanwhile, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and corn kernels in a bowl and mix to blend. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just to combine (do not overmix).
Swirl the butter in the frying pan to coat the sides and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top of the batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
VEGAN QUINOA-CRANBERRY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
This yummy recipe, from the Food Network, begins, "This stuffed squash isn't trying to trick you into thinking it's stuffed with meat. And it doesn't have tothe quinoa filling is satisfying enough on its own, full of spiced warmth (thanks to the curry powder) and salty sweetness (from the pistachios and cranberries)."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup. Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.
Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Note
The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated. To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This is from Chloe Coscarelli on The Today Show site. She wrote, "Hearty lentils and meaty mushroom take the place of animal protein in this rich chili. This healthy swap makes the dish so much better for you without leaving out any of the satisfying flavor or comforting texture from this cold weather classic."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/vegan-lentil-chili-recipe-t172426.
Technique Tip: Sacue will thicken as it sits; add a little water as needed.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2-1/2 cups (8 ounces) mushrooms, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15-ounce can lentils, drained and rinsed, or 1-1/2 cups cooked lentils
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, until almost soft.
Add the garlic, salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Stir in the lentils, tomato sauce and brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with black pepper and reduce the heat to medium.
Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
SILKEN TOFU WITH SPICY SOY DRESSING
This is from Hetty McKinnon in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Hetty wrote, "This recipe is inspired by the many cold silken tofu dishes from East Asia, like Japanese hiyayakko and Chinese liangban tofu. This no-cook dish is a handy one to have up your sleeve, especially for warm evenings when the desire to cook is nonexistent. Silky soft tofu is draped in a punchy soy dressing, creating a lively dish with little effort. The tofu is ideally served cold, but 10 minutes at room temperature can take the edge off. Make it your own with other fresh herbs such as Thai basil, mint or shiso leaves, or add crunch with fried shallots or roasted peanuts. A salty, fermented element like kimchi, pickled radish or ja choi, also known as zha cai, a Sichuan pickled mustard root, would work well, too. One block of silken tofu is usually enough to feed two people, but for a more substantial meal, serve it with hot rice or noodles to create a pleasing contrast of temperatures."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022562-silken-tofu-with-spicy-soy-dressing.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Soy Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chile oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
1 scallion, green and white parts, finely sliced
For the Tofu:
2 (14-ounce) blocks silken tofu, cold
1 scallion, green and white parts, thinly sliced
Handful of cilantro leaves
Preparation
Make the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chile oil, sugar, sesame seeds and scallion in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Carefully drain the liquid from the package of tofu, and gently tip the block onto a kitchen towel. (Try to keep the block in one piece, if possible, but don’t worry if it falls apart; it will still taste great.) Pat with another clean kitchen towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Transfer the blocks to one large plate or two smaller plates, and spoon the soy dressing over the top until the tofu is completely covered. Top with scallions and cilantro leaves, and eat on its own or with rice or noodles on the side.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Since we do need to eat, here are six vegetarian recipes to help get your week started just right, including Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash, Al Roker's Vegetable Lasagna, and Buttermilk Cornbread with Corn Kernels. Enjoy!
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD WITH CORN KERNELS
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it states that it's from The Working Family's Cookbook.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup fresh, or frozen and defrosted corn kernels
1 cup buttermilk
2 medium-size eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch cast iron or ovenproof frying pan or a square baking pan and heat in the oven until it is hot and the butter is melted.
Meanwhile, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and corn kernels in a bowl and mix to blend. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just to combine (do not overmix).
Swirl the butter in the frying pan to coat the sides and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top of the batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
VEGAN QUINOA-CRANBERRY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
This yummy recipe, from the Food Network, begins, "This stuffed squash isn't trying to trick you into thinking it's stuffed with meat. And it doesn't have tothe quinoa filling is satisfying enough on its own, full of spiced warmth (thanks to the curry powder) and salty sweetness (from the pistachios and cranberries)."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup. Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.
Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Note
The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated. To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This is from Chloe Coscarelli on The Today Show site. She wrote, "Hearty lentils and meaty mushroom take the place of animal protein in this rich chili. This healthy swap makes the dish so much better for you without leaving out any of the satisfying flavor or comforting texture from this cold weather classic."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/vegan-lentil-chili-recipe-t172426.
Technique Tip: Sacue will thicken as it sits; add a little water as needed.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2-1/2 cups (8 ounces) mushrooms, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15-ounce can lentils, drained and rinsed, or 1-1/2 cups cooked lentils
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, until almost soft.
Add the garlic, salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Stir in the lentils, tomato sauce and brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with black pepper and reduce the heat to medium.
Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
SILKEN TOFU WITH SPICY SOY DRESSING
This is from Hetty McKinnon in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Hetty wrote, "This recipe is inspired by the many cold silken tofu dishes from East Asia, like Japanese hiyayakko and Chinese liangban tofu. This no-cook dish is a handy one to have up your sleeve, especially for warm evenings when the desire to cook is nonexistent. Silky soft tofu is draped in a punchy soy dressing, creating a lively dish with little effort. The tofu is ideally served cold, but 10 minutes at room temperature can take the edge off. Make it your own with other fresh herbs such as Thai basil, mint or shiso leaves, or add crunch with fried shallots or roasted peanuts. A salty, fermented element like kimchi, pickled radish or ja choi, also known as zha cai, a Sichuan pickled mustard root, would work well, too. One block of silken tofu is usually enough to feed two people, but for a more substantial meal, serve it with hot rice or noodles to create a pleasing contrast of temperatures."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022562-silken-tofu-with-spicy-soy-dressing.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Soy Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chile oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
1 scallion, green and white parts, finely sliced
For the Tofu:
2 (14-ounce) blocks silken tofu, cold
1 scallion, green and white parts, thinly sliced
Handful of cilantro leaves
Preparation
Make the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chile oil, sugar, sesame seeds and scallion in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Carefully drain the liquid from the package of tofu, and gently tip the block onto a kitchen towel. (Try to keep the block in one piece, if possible, but don’t worry if it falls apart; it will still taste great.) Pat with another clean kitchen towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Transfer the blocks to one large plate or two smaller plates, and spoon the soy dressing over the top until the tofu is completely covered. Top with scallions and cilantro leaves, and eat on its own or with rice or noodles on the side.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Friday, February 3, 2023
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. (Yay!) Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Best Beef Stroganoff and Grilled Chicken Torta Sliders. Enjoy!
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
FRENCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Rebecca Franklin, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Rebecca wrote, "This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores. This dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, much less than a quarter of which is spent actively cooking. Use this French-style "mac and cheese" as an unexpected side dish on a dinner menu or as the focal point of a winter-themed mountain lodge party."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 1 bowl macaroni (6 servings)
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1375553.
Ingredients
16 ounces small macaroni
1 clove garlic (cut in half lengthwise)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/4 cups crème fraiche
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups Cantal cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 F.
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.
While the macaroni is boiling, rub the cut end of the garlic across the entire inner surface of a three-quart baking dish.
Brush the same surface with the melted butter.
Pour the drained macaroni into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the crème fraiche, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper into the pasta.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese over the surface of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly throughout and turns light golden brown on top.
Serve immediately.
GRILLED CHICKEN TORTA SLIDERS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Get your torta on with these simple, fresh, party-sized chicken sandwiches."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-torta-sliders.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3/4 lb)
8 slider buns, split
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ refried beans (from 16-oz can)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced
2 slices (1 oz each) Monterey Jack cheese, quartered
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix oil and taco seasoning mix. Rub chicken breasts with oil mixture.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Let stand 5 minutes. Cut each breast in quarters.
Meanwhile, brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and place, cut sides down, on grill. Cook 30 to 60 seconds or until cut sides are browned. Turn, and grill 30 to 60 seconds longer or until grill marks appear. Place beans in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds or until softened and easy to stir. Spread bottom bun halves with beans. Top with avocado, then top with chicken.
Top chicken with cheese, remaining ingredients and tops of buns.
Expert Tips
Craving a little more heat? Opt for pepper Jack cheese.
Cutting green onions on the bias is easier (since they don’t roll around your cutting board) and are more beautiful, providing a slender slaw-like appearance.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS
This is from Sarah Copeland in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, "Classic Italian wedding soup is beloved for its simplicity and satisfaction. This turkey version is lean, while meatballs stay moist by simmering in broth. Start with the most flavorful broth you can get your hands on (homemade is ideal, but store-bought works well too), then pack the meatballs with flavor (garlic and parsley) and staying power (egg, panko and cheese, to gently bind them together). Traditionalists may be tempted to add a small grated onion to the meat mixture, and sweat celery and carrots into the broth, but for a quick weeknight meal, you won’t miss them here. If speed is your game, roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs—or opt for 20 smaller ones if serving kids (mini meatballs will cook through even faster). Either way, finish with a healthy dose of olive oil, lemon, cheese and dill, or any fresh Italian herb you may have on hand."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019925-italian-wedding-soup-with-turkey-meatballs.
Ingredients
12 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for greasing and serving
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/3 packed cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
3/4 cup orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe or another small soup pasta
3 packed cups baby spinach or kale, thinly sliced
1 lemon, zested and halved
1/4 cup fresh dill, oregano or basil, roughly chopped (optional)
Preparation
Combine the chicken broth and 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, add the turkey, panko, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup Parmesan to a large bowl. Mix with a fork or clean hands until combined. Gently roll the mixture into 12 medium (2-inch) or 20 small (1 1/2-inch) meatballs and transfer to a baking sheet lined with lightly oiled aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat.
Heat the broiler to high and set an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heat. Broil the meatballs until brown on two sides, turning halfway through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook over medium until al dente, then lower the heat to a low simmer.
Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer on low until completely warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and add the spinach and lemon zest, stirring well, to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the soup among four bowls. Drizzle each with olive oil, sprinkle with more Parmesan and squeeze a bit of lemon over the top. Scatter the dill over the top, or stir in.
SIMPLE MEATLOAF WITH OPTIONAL TOPPING
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This delicious and simple meatloaf recipe is a great fit for Sunday dinner. Feel free to use plain ketchup to top this dish, or, if you're feeling a little adventurous, make the optional topping. For a tasty meal, serve the meatloaf with homemade mashed potatoes and peas and carrots or your favorite vegetables.
“Note: Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 80 minutes; Total Time: 95 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Optional Glaze/Topping:
4 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons Dijon (or similar mustard)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (plain)
2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup finely minced fresh onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons burger seasoning (or 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping, if desired)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Heat over to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
If using the optional topping, in a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons ketchup, maple syrup, mustard and Worcestershire until well mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, burger seasoning, and 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Mix until well blended and pack into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess fat and then top the loaf with the optional topping mixture or about 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips
Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
Experiment with meat mixtures in meatloaf. While beef gives excellent flavor and holds together well, adding a portion of lean ground pork will provide juiciness. Ground veal would add lightness to a loaf, and ground chicken or turkey would reduce some of the fat and calories.
Top the meatloaf with prepared barbecue sauce just before it's finished baking.
Use cracker crumbs or soft breadcrumbs in the meatloaf instead of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Line the loaf pan with parchment paper or foil, like a sling. Just grab the ends of the paper or foil and lift the meatloaf out of the pan when it's done.
Bake the meatloaf in individual muffin cups. Use about 1/4 cup of meatloaf mixture for each muffin cup.
Pack the meatloaf mixture into individual oiled ramekins, and then invert them onto a rimmed baking sheet for perfectly shaped individual meatloaves.
Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed cheese crackers in the meat mixture.
Top a meatloaf with strips of bacon before baking, or add crumbled cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
BEST BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Bri22 on Food. Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6 - 8
To view this online, click here..
Ingredients
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
canned mushroom stems and pieces, 2-3 cans, drained
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I always use the top name brand)
1 (12 ounce) bag egg noodles, cooked
Directions
Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.
Stir in ground beef and brown stir in flour, salt, mushrooms, and pepper cook 5 minutes, then stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream until heated. Serve over noodles.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Kiera Wright-Ruiz in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Kiera wrote, "There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It’s adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can’t find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time 45 minutes, plus cooling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020515-southern-macaroni-and-cheese.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
FRENCH MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is from Rebecca Franklin, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. Rebecca wrote, "This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores. This dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, much less than a quarter of which is spent actively cooking. Use this French-style "mac and cheese" as an unexpected side dish on a dinner menu or as the focal point of a winter-themed mountain lodge party."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 1 bowl macaroni (6 servings)
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1375553.
Ingredients
16 ounces small macaroni
1 clove garlic (cut in half lengthwise)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/4 cups crème fraiche
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups Cantal cheese (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350 F.
Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and drain it.
While the macaroni is boiling, rub the cut end of the garlic across the entire inner surface of a three-quart baking dish.
Brush the same surface with the melted butter.
Pour the drained macaroni into the prepared baking dish.
Stir the crème fraiche, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper into the pasta.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese over the surface of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly throughout and turns light golden brown on top.
Serve immediately.
GRILLED CHICKEN TORTA SLIDERS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Get your torta on with these simple, fresh, party-sized chicken sandwiches."
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-torta-sliders.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3/4 lb)
8 slider buns, split
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ refried beans (from 16-oz can)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, thinly sliced
2 slices (1 oz each) Monterey Jack cheese, quartered
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
Chopped fresh cilantro, if desired
Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Directions
Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix oil and taco seasoning mix. Rub chicken breasts with oil mixture.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Let stand 5 minutes. Cut each breast in quarters.
Meanwhile, brush cut sides of buns with melted butter and place, cut sides down, on grill. Cook 30 to 60 seconds or until cut sides are browned. Turn, and grill 30 to 60 seconds longer or until grill marks appear. Place beans in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds or until softened and easy to stir. Spread bottom bun halves with beans. Top with avocado, then top with chicken.
Top chicken with cheese, remaining ingredients and tops of buns.
Expert Tips
Craving a little more heat? Opt for pepper Jack cheese.
Cutting green onions on the bias is easier (since they don’t roll around your cutting board) and are more beautiful, providing a slender slaw-like appearance.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS
This is from Sarah Copeland in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sarah wrote, "Classic Italian wedding soup is beloved for its simplicity and satisfaction. This turkey version is lean, while meatballs stay moist by simmering in broth. Start with the most flavorful broth you can get your hands on (homemade is ideal, but store-bought works well too), then pack the meatballs with flavor (garlic and parsley) and staying power (egg, panko and cheese, to gently bind them together). Traditionalists may be tempted to add a small grated onion to the meat mixture, and sweat celery and carrots into the broth, but for a quick weeknight meal, you won’t miss them here. If speed is your game, roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs—or opt for 20 smaller ones if serving kids (mini meatballs will cook through even faster). Either way, finish with a healthy dose of olive oil, lemon, cheese and dill, or any fresh Italian herb you may have on hand."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019925-italian-wedding-soup-with-turkey-meatballs.
Ingredients
12 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for greasing and serving
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/3 packed cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
3/4 cup orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe or another small soup pasta
3 packed cups baby spinach or kale, thinly sliced
1 lemon, zested and halved
1/4 cup fresh dill, oregano or basil, roughly chopped (optional)
Preparation
Combine the chicken broth and 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, add the turkey, panko, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup Parmesan to a large bowl. Mix with a fork or clean hands until combined. Gently roll the mixture into 12 medium (2-inch) or 20 small (1 1/2-inch) meatballs and transfer to a baking sheet lined with lightly oiled aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat.
Heat the broiler to high and set an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heat. Broil the meatballs until brown on two sides, turning halfway through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook over medium until al dente, then lower the heat to a low simmer.
Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer on low until completely warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and add the spinach and lemon zest, stirring well, to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the soup among four bowls. Drizzle each with olive oil, sprinkle with more Parmesan and squeeze a bit of lemon over the top. Scatter the dill over the top, or stir in.
SIMPLE MEATLOAF WITH OPTIONAL TOPPING
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This delicious and simple meatloaf recipe is a great fit for Sunday dinner. Feel free to use plain ketchup to top this dish, or, if you're feeling a little adventurous, make the optional topping. For a tasty meal, serve the meatloaf with homemade mashed potatoes and peas and carrots or your favorite vegetables.
“Note: Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 80 minutes; Total Time: 95 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Optional Glaze/Topping:
4 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons Dijon (or similar mustard)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (plain)
2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup finely minced fresh onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons burger seasoning (or 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
1/2 cup ketchup (plus more for topping, if desired)
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Heat over to 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
If using the optional topping, in a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons ketchup, maple syrup, mustard and Worcestershire until well mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, burger seasoning, and 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Mix until well blended and pack into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess fat and then top the loaf with the optional topping mixture or about 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips
Ground beef with a ratio of 80/20 or 85/20 will produce the moistest and most flavorful meatloaf. Baking the meatloaf in a specialty meatloaf pan or on a rack will help drain away some of the excess fat. If you don't have either, you can make a free-form loaf on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
Experiment with meat mixtures in meatloaf. While beef gives excellent flavor and holds together well, adding a portion of lean ground pork will provide juiciness. Ground veal would add lightness to a loaf, and ground chicken or turkey would reduce some of the fat and calories.
Top the meatloaf with prepared barbecue sauce just before it's finished baking.
Use cracker crumbs or soft breadcrumbs in the meatloaf instead of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Line the loaf pan with parchment paper or foil, like a sling. Just grab the ends of the paper or foil and lift the meatloaf out of the pan when it's done.
Bake the meatloaf in individual muffin cups. Use about 1/4 cup of meatloaf mixture for each muffin cup.
Pack the meatloaf mixture into individual oiled ramekins, and then invert them onto a rimmed baking sheet for perfectly shaped individual meatloaves.
Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed cheese crackers in the meat mixture.
Top a meatloaf with strips of bacon before baking, or add crumbled cooked bacon to the meat mixture.
BEST BEEF STROGANOFF
This is from Bri22 on Food. Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6 - 8
To view this online, click here..
Ingredients
1/2 cup minced onion
1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
canned mushroom stems and pieces, 2-3 cans, drained
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I always use the top name brand)
1 (12 ounce) bag egg noodles, cooked
Directions
Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.
Stir in ground beef and brown stir in flour, salt, mushrooms, and pepper cook 5 minutes, then stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream until heated. Serve over noodles.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Chicken
There was a time when Chicken was considered a Sunday-dinner meal. (Think early- to mid-twentieth century.)
Now, it's an anytime meal, whether in a sandwich, as nuggets, or stuffed and baked. Check out today's six chicken recipes, including Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu with Herbed Ricotta, Chicken Spaghetti, and Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Bake. Enjoy!
TOMATO-ROSEMARY CHICKEN
Recipe Yield: Servings: 12
Source: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes
Book Title: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tomato-rosemary-chicken.
Ingredients
12 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 pounds total)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 pound proscuitto, chopped
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried, crumbled
12 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
Season both sides of chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Place flour on a sheet of waxed paper. Turn chicken in flour to coat both sides; shake off any excess and place chicken on another piece of waxed paper.
Heat oven to 375F.
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 chicken breast halves and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Place chicken in a 15x10x1-ich jelly-roll pan in a single layer, filling half of pan. Repeat with remaining oil, butter, and chicken.
Bake chicken in heated 375F oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170F on an instant-read thermometer.
Meanwhile, add garlic and proscuitto to skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Add wine and rosemary; cook 2 minutes, stirring up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.
Place chicken on a serving platter; pour sauce over top. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 257; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 377 mg; Cholesterol: 89 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Low-Fat Meat; 1 Vegetable
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGU WITH HERBED RICOTTA
This is from Sarah DiGregorio on The New York Times cooking site. Sarah wrote, "This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You’ll notice there isn’t much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you’d like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 6 1/2 hours
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022080-slow-cooker-chicken-ragu-with-herbed-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
1-1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta
1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta
Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix
Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 handful torn fresh basil leaves
Preparation
In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.
Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.
Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.
Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.
CHICKEN POT PIE CRESCENT BAKE
This is from Pillsbury Kitchens, and begins, "Cozy up busy weeknights with a quick and easy homestyle chicken pot pie bake. This hearty bake is comfort food at its finest, and prep is a breeze. Make your chicken pot pie casserole with a super-simple made-from-scratch sauce, frozen veggies, chopped chicken and a flaky crust made from Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls. You can have this easy chicken pot pie bake ready to serve in under an hour. Just scoop right from the baking dish, and enjoy."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 3/4 cups Progresso™ Chicken Broth (from 32-oz carton)
2/3 cup milk
1 bag (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count)
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12x8-inch or 11x7-inch (2-quart) rectangular glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In 2 1/2- to 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Gradually stir in broth and milk.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir about 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in vegetables and chicken. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is heated through; pour mixture into baking dish.
Unroll crescent dough; separate into triangles. Place on top of hot chicken mixture, overlapping slightly, to look like braided appearance.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown and dough is baked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens
tip 1
If desired, brush crescent dough with 1 tablespoon melted butter, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Or, try garnishing with fresh thyme or chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley before serving.
tip 2
Instead of using mixed vegetables in your chicken pot pie bake, switch it up with your favorite frozen vegetable, like corn, peas or carrots.
tip 3
Serve this easy chicken pot pie bake with a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner.
Tip 4
Bring more comforting meals to the dinner table with tasty meals like our Classic Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Cups.
COUNTRY CAPTAIN
This recipe is from Rohan Kamicheril and adapted by Ligaya Mishan on The New York Times cooking site. Ligaya wrote, "The American South has long laid claim to Country Captain, but the dish’s origins can be traced back to the British Raj. It’s an Anglo-Indian legacy of colonials with palates newly awakened to the possibilities of spice. In this version from Rohan Kamicheril, who grew up in Bangalore, only a few seasonings are called for: turmeric, ginger-garlic paste — easy to mash up quickly or buy premade — and Kashmiri chile powder, which has a gentle heat that can be approximated with a mix of paprika and cayenne. Vinegar is the last, vital touch, its sourness twangs the nerve and startles the other flavors into focus. The recipe is simple, but it takes skill to make, and should be eaten immediately."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Chicken and Potatoes With Commanding Flavor", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022978-country-captain.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne plus 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Salt
Soft white bread, such as a Pullman loaf or Japanese milk bread, for serving
Preparation
Combine the ginger-garlic paste with the turmeric, chile powder and vinegar in a large bowl, then toss the chicken in the marinade to coat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while cooking the vegetables to give the spices time to infuse the meat.
Heat an inch of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high until it reaches 340 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, drop a nub of potato into the oil to test: If you get a fervent sizzle, the oil is hot enough.) Add the onion and fry, turning occasionally with a spider or slotted spoon, until the onion is soft and uniformly dark chestnut brown in color, 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out the onion and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Bring the oil back up to 340 degrees. Add the diced potato and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Scoop out the potatoes and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Season generously with salt while still hot.
While the potatoes cook, set a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over high heat. When the pan is just beginning to smoke, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil from the saucepan and swirl to cover the bottom of the pan. Add half of the marinated chicken, making sure to leave space between the pieces. Let cook undisturbed until browned and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook to brown the other sides, another 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape chicken and any accumulated juices onto a serving platter or bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken, cooking in 2 tablespoons oil from the saucepan.
Add the onion and potato to the dish with the chicken. Stir gently, just enough for the juices from the chicken to gloss the onion and potato. Serve immediately with the bread.
Tip
You can find ginger-garlic paste at Indian markets, but it’s easy to make at home, too. For the 2 tablespoons called for here, chop 3 large cloves of garlic and a fat 1-inch piece of ginger, then smash them together using a mortar and pestle or continue chopping until very finely minced. Season with a tiny pinch of salt. For a larger batch, keep a 1:1 ratio of garlic to ginger and combine in a blender with salt to taste.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1-1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
Now, it's an anytime meal, whether in a sandwich, as nuggets, or stuffed and baked. Check out today's six chicken recipes, including Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu with Herbed Ricotta, Chicken Spaghetti, and Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Bake. Enjoy!
TOMATO-ROSEMARY CHICKEN
Recipe Yield: Servings: 12
Source: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes
Book Title: Family Circle: All-time Favorite Recipes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/tomato-rosemary-chicken.
Ingredients
12 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 pounds total)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 pound proscuitto, chopped
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried, crumbled
12 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
Season both sides of chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Place flour on a sheet of waxed paper. Turn chicken in flour to coat both sides; shake off any excess and place chicken on another piece of waxed paper.
Heat oven to 375F.
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 chicken breast halves and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Place chicken in a 15x10x1-ich jelly-roll pan in a single layer, filling half of pan. Repeat with remaining oil, butter, and chicken.
Bake chicken in heated 375F oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170F on an instant-read thermometer.
Meanwhile, add garlic and proscuitto to skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Add wine and rosemary; cook 2 minutes, stirring up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.
Place chicken on a serving platter; pour sauce over top. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 257; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 377 mg; Cholesterol: 89 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Low-Fat Meat; 1 Vegetable
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGU WITH HERBED RICOTTA
This is from Sarah DiGregorio on The New York Times cooking site. Sarah wrote, "This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You’ll notice there isn’t much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you’d like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 6 1/2 hours
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022080-slow-cooker-chicken-ragu-with-herbed-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
1-1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta
1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta
Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix
Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 handful torn fresh basil leaves
Preparation
In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.
Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.
Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.
Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.
CHICKEN POT PIE CRESCENT BAKE
This is from Pillsbury Kitchens, and begins, "Cozy up busy weeknights with a quick and easy homestyle chicken pot pie bake. This hearty bake is comfort food at its finest, and prep is a breeze. Make your chicken pot pie casserole with a super-simple made-from-scratch sauce, frozen veggies, chopped chicken and a flaky crust made from Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls. You can have this easy chicken pot pie bake ready to serve in under an hour. Just scoop right from the baking dish, and enjoy."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 3/4 cups Progresso™ Chicken Broth (from 32-oz carton)
2/3 cup milk
1 bag (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count)
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12x8-inch or 11x7-inch (2-quart) rectangular glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In 2 1/2- to 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Gradually stir in broth and milk.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir about 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in vegetables and chicken. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is heated through; pour mixture into baking dish.
Unroll crescent dough; separate into triangles. Place on top of hot chicken mixture, overlapping slightly, to look like braided appearance.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown and dough is baked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens
tip 1
If desired, brush crescent dough with 1 tablespoon melted butter, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Or, try garnishing with fresh thyme or chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley before serving.
tip 2
Instead of using mixed vegetables in your chicken pot pie bake, switch it up with your favorite frozen vegetable, like corn, peas or carrots.
tip 3
Serve this easy chicken pot pie bake with a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner.
Tip 4
Bring more comforting meals to the dinner table with tasty meals like our Classic Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Cups.
COUNTRY CAPTAIN
This recipe is from Rohan Kamicheril and adapted by Ligaya Mishan on The New York Times cooking site. Ligaya wrote, "The American South has long laid claim to Country Captain, but the dish’s origins can be traced back to the British Raj. It’s an Anglo-Indian legacy of colonials with palates newly awakened to the possibilities of spice. In this version from Rohan Kamicheril, who grew up in Bangalore, only a few seasonings are called for: turmeric, ginger-garlic paste — easy to mash up quickly or buy premade — and Kashmiri chile powder, which has a gentle heat that can be approximated with a mix of paprika and cayenne. Vinegar is the last, vital touch, its sourness twangs the nerve and startles the other flavors into focus. The recipe is simple, but it takes skill to make, and should be eaten immediately."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Chicken and Potatoes With Commanding Flavor", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022978-country-captain.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne plus 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola, for frying
1 large onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Salt
Soft white bread, such as a Pullman loaf or Japanese milk bread, for serving
Preparation
Combine the ginger-garlic paste with the turmeric, chile powder and vinegar in a large bowl, then toss the chicken in the marinade to coat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature while cooking the vegetables to give the spices time to infuse the meat.
Heat an inch of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high until it reaches 340 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, drop a nub of potato into the oil to test: If you get a fervent sizzle, the oil is hot enough.) Add the onion and fry, turning occasionally with a spider or slotted spoon, until the onion is soft and uniformly dark chestnut brown in color, 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out the onion and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Bring the oil back up to 340 degrees. Add the diced potato and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Scoop out the potatoes and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Season generously with salt while still hot.
While the potatoes cook, set a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over high heat. When the pan is just beginning to smoke, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil from the saucepan and swirl to cover the bottom of the pan. Add half of the marinated chicken, making sure to leave space between the pieces. Let cook undisturbed until browned and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook to brown the other sides, another 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape chicken and any accumulated juices onto a serving platter or bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken, cooking in 2 tablespoons oil from the saucepan.
Add the onion and potato to the dish with the chicken. Stir gently, just enough for the juices from the chicken to gloss the onion and potato. Serve immediately with the bread.
Tip
You can find ginger-garlic paste at Indian markets, but it’s easy to make at home, too. For the 2 tablespoons called for here, chop 3 large cloves of garlic and a fat 1-inch piece of ginger, then smash them together using a mortar and pestle or continue chopping until very finely minced. Season with a tiny pinch of salt. For a larger batch, keep a 1:1 ratio of garlic to ginger and combine in a blender with salt to taste.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1-1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Pasta
I've loved Pasta for as long as I can remember. There's just something about the pasta-and-sauce (or pasta-and-veggies) that just gets my attention.
To that end, here are six yummy pasta recipes to help you through the day, including Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne and One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs. Enjoy!
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2-1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2-1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a local Italian restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
Ingredients
1/2 C water
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Directions
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.) In veggie pot, heat 1/2 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.) Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
BAKED CHEESY ENCHILADA CHICKEN PENNE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Want enchilada flavor with the family-friendly ease of a pasta bake? Look no further! This Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne fits the bill. Flavorful enchilada sauce and melty cheese combine to create a tasty dinner with just 35 minutes of prep time. One of our favorite things about this creamy chicken enchilada pasta bake is that the spice level is totally customizable, so you can make it to your family’s preference. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish will see you through a potluck or a fun family dinner. And if you don’t polish it off in one meal, you’ll have chicken enchilada pasta leftovers to enjoy tomorrow!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-cheesy-enchilada-chicken-penne.
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 3/4 cups)
12 oz Kraft™ Velveeta™ Original Cheese Product, cut in 1/2-inch cubes (from 16-oz package)
1 package (8 oz) Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend (2 cups)
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (19 oz) Old El Paso™ Enchilada Sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; drain, and set aside.
Meanwhile, in large microwavable bowl, mix cheese cubes, 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the milk. Microwave uncovered on High 4 minutes; stir, then microwave in 30-second increments until cheese melts and mixture is easily stirred smooth.
Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into baking dish.
In large bowl, mix chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, butter and taco seasoning mix. Spoon over pasta mixture in baking dish.
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until bubbling at edges (165°F in center). Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with green onions. Serve with remaining ingredients.
Expert Tips
The quick microwaved cheese sauce in this chicken enchilada pasta recipe is great for many other applications. Toss with cooked pasta and serve as is, drizzle over cooked potato nuggets, or lay it out alongside tortilla chips as an easy nacho cheese sauce.
To keep this casserole family friendly, we used Old El Paso™ Mild Enchilada Sauce. If you want to give your chicken enchilada pasta bake more of a kick, opt for Old El Paso™ Medium or Hot Enchilada Sauce.
Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix can be used instead of the Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
16 oz uncooked spaghetti
3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.
In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.
To that end, here are six yummy pasta recipes to help you through the day, including Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne and One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs. Enjoy!
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.
This, along with the Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, was featured in “The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe, which follows)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2-1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This also comes from David Tanis in The New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. David wrote, “In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer.” Time: 30 minutes; makes about 2-1/2 cups.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2-1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA
I had something similar to this at a local Italian restaurant several times, and decided to try making it. A hint for making this: wait until all the veggies have been cut up, then start the water boiling for the angel hair pasta. The veggies should be cooked for 2-4 minutes, and the pasta cooked for 2 minutes before the pasta is drained and then allowed to finish cooking for another 2 minutes with the veggies. Timing is important—unless you like disgustingly soggy pasta.
Ingredients
1/2 C water
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2green pepper, diced
1 T oregano
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Directions
Cut up veggies while heating the pasta water. DO NOT PUT PASTA INTO WATER UNTIL THE VEGGIES BEGIN COOKING. (There. I said it.) In veggie pot, heat 1/2 C water & balsamic vinegar until it begins to bubble; add onion, garlic, pepper & oregano and stir once or twice. NOW ADD PASTA TO POT OF BOILING PASTA WATER. (Boy, what a bossy broad.) Simmer veggies on low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes, covered. Cook pasta for only 2 minutes, then drain in colander. As soon as pasta is drained, remove cover from veggies, dump pasta into veggie pot, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring several times. Remove from heat. DIG IN!!! (Now, isn’t that good?)
BAKED CHEESY ENCHILADA CHICKEN PENNE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Want enchilada flavor with the family-friendly ease of a pasta bake? Look no further! This Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne fits the bill. Flavorful enchilada sauce and melty cheese combine to create a tasty dinner with just 35 minutes of prep time. One of our favorite things about this creamy chicken enchilada pasta bake is that the spice level is totally customizable, so you can make it to your family’s preference. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish will see you through a potluck or a fun family dinner. And if you don’t polish it off in one meal, you’ll have chicken enchilada pasta leftovers to enjoy tomorrow!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-cheesy-enchilada-chicken-penne.
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 3/4 cups)
12 oz Kraft™ Velveeta™ Original Cheese Product, cut in 1/2-inch cubes (from 16-oz package)
1 package (8 oz) Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend (2 cups)
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (19 oz) Old El Paso™ Enchilada Sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; drain, and set aside.
Meanwhile, in large microwavable bowl, mix cheese cubes, 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the milk. Microwave uncovered on High 4 minutes; stir, then microwave in 30-second increments until cheese melts and mixture is easily stirred smooth.
Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into baking dish.
In large bowl, mix chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, butter and taco seasoning mix. Spoon over pasta mixture in baking dish.
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until bubbling at edges (165°F in center). Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with green onions. Serve with remaining ingredients.
Expert Tips
The quick microwaved cheese sauce in this chicken enchilada pasta recipe is great for many other applications. Toss with cooked pasta and serve as is, drizzle over cooked potato nuggets, or lay it out alongside tortilla chips as an easy nacho cheese sauce.
To keep this casserole family friendly, we used Old El Paso™ Mild Enchilada Sauce. If you want to give your chicken enchilada pasta bake more of a kick, opt for Old El Paso™ Medium or Hot Enchilada Sauce.
Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix can be used instead of the Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
16 oz uncooked spaghetti
3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.
In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.
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